Achieve your screenwriting goal

Developing/writing a sitcom

If you want to develop a sitcom you need to understand:

The industry has certain expectations regarding the core elements of a sitcom, and if you want to pitch your idea to Hollywood you need to learn them; and,
Sitcoms mainly profit from syndication, so your concept must demonstrate the strength to drive 100 episodes.

The workshops and books listed below will help you develop a sitcom that will stand out in the crowd:

Ellen Sandler Workshops
If you are developing a sitcom or a comedy online series you must study with Ellen Sandler. She is an industry veteran who has been nominated for an Emmy and will provide the guidance you need to develop your show.

ScreenwritingU
This is producing-team Hal and Cheryl Croasmun's effort to develop a pool of professional screenwriters who want to succeed in Hollywood, and easily the best value for your dollar. Participate in a variety of online workshops to elevate your screenwriting to meet the high industry standards. Hal also organizes events in Los Angeles that brings writers together with producers at the major studios. I highly recommend ScreenwritingU.

David Freeman's Beyond Structure
David's weekend workshop, which I've attended, focuses on character and dialogue, and will leave you with techniques that are easy to apply to your story development. While it is "beyond" structure, what you'll discover is how character and story are fully connected.

Robert McKee's Story Seminar
Oscar and Emmy-winning writers--and yours truly--have attended Robert McKee's weekend-intensive Story and Genre seminars and for good reason: Mckee detests stories that suck and will provide the foundation you need to develop compelling stories. The Genre:Comedy seminar is particularly critical if you plan to write comedy. If you are a fan of Pixar films, you should note Pixar employees are required to attend McKee's seminars. This is one of the best seminars you can attend.

Dov Simen's Web Film School
Dov's famous for inspiring do-it-yourself producers and this site has a multitude of online tutorials and more to help launch your career.

The TV Writer's Workbook: A Creative Approach To Television Scripts (Ellen Sandler)

This is a must-read for anyone looking to develop a quality sitcom. Ellen is an industry veteran and knows what you need to know to develop a sitcom you can pitch to the major networks. And even if you don't want to go that route, her insight will help you develop the essential ingredients to build the foundation required for numerous comic situations.

Psychology for Screenwriters: Building Conflict in Your Script (William Indick)

Ah, yes, are you already flashing back to Pysch 101? Well this book definitely will take you back, but it also will propel you forward. Why? Because your characters are psycho! They have a past. They have "issues." They have... desires. Actually, after reading this book I wish I had taken a few more psych courses, because understanding human nature will help you develop more intriguing characters and develop more intriguing stories!

From Reel to Deal: Everything You Need to Create a Successful Independent Film (Dov S-S Simens)

This book covers everything you need to know to produce a film and breaks down the process into simple manageable steps. However, if you are going to produce your own film, take care to write a compelling script that an audience would want to sit through.